HIP-HOP/RAP
Austin Dean Ashford – ‘Boujetto’
Sep
Austin Dean Ashford embodies a playful psychedelic take on hip-hop with Boujetto. The swinging 60s underpinnings come from the album’s tropical vibes. Snippets of his self-created “island trap” bloom underneath the rap exterior. Production-wise it sounds gorgeous with the sampling done with serious flair.
Juxtapositions of a whole slew of different cultures are the main features of the journey. Instrumentally he loves that ukelele, incorporating it to great use, much like Pan Am uses his trumpet to similar effect, to give it that otherworldly sheen.
The sheer magnitude of the sound, and the way the pieces are constructed, feature a collage quality akin to MF Doom’s deep crate-digging ways.
Even the word choice has that same gleeful aspect, making sure to have a dream-like quality. Some of the production choices shine like Outkast’s most ambitious works, as there is a similar sense of discovery with Austin charting entire new sonic territory, as the unexpected happens regularly. Jazz and R&B kick up a storm letting the songs gain a soulfulness drawing from Anderson Paak’s clever, timeless arrangements. For all these aspects, he retains a vision that does feel distinctive.
Glowing chords introduce the album on “Hussle.”
The bass dives headfirst with the bass rumbles feeling so freeing. By far the highlight, “Black Harry Potter,” has a carefree aspect. Infectious to an unbelievable degree, the catchiness reigns supreme. Elements of jungle’s drum and bass workouts filter into the sound with the fast-paced rush of “God Sauce.”
Faith proves a huge influence over the verses, as they gain a kaleidoscopic chaos. “Black Mayne” soars up into the sky, letting the giddy energy draw the listener into an entire history.
A bit of sunshine soul pours into “Laughter.” Percussion plays an essential role as “Run Away” goes right for that surreal wash of colors. Vocal pitch shifts give “Coins” a bit of weirdness, with the acidic tinge of the electronic flourishes feeling positively massive.
“Sippin” goes right into the celebration, allowing for a goofiness that permeates the entirety of the track. The many layers intermingle to give it this nice soothing, reassurance. On “Vibe” Austin closes the album with a reggae meets rock aspect.
Kept loose, the song’s ambition carries it along as the duration allows him to explore every single aspect in vivid detail.
In closing, Boujetto reveals a thoughtful take on trap, with a melting pot of different approaches bubbling over, showing off Austin Dean Ashford’s distinctive vision.
